How many actual prosecutions and convictions have taken place to show that the government is serious about rooting out corruption and incompetence? [Interjections.] How often is misconduct rewarded with extensive suspension periods on full pay, followed by sudden resignations before a proper disciplinary committee is held and the same delinquent official is soon rewarded with another lucrative redeployment somewhere else?
Cope wants to suggest that the hon Minister gets the basics right. Firstly, establish and entrench professional and public administration at the local level. [Interjections.] There should be a clear distinction between political and administrative roles and functions. Where politicians become officials and officials become politicians, things go wrong and systems collapse.
Secondly, entrench accountability and force incompetent councillors and officials to resign. Replace them or fire them.
Thirdly, establish bodies for the training, grading and accreditation of municipal officials in executive positions, such as the Institute of Municipal Managers or the Institute of Municipal Accountants, and allow them to do their job without political interference. [Interjections.]